Jackie Stevens, M.A. Sociology, Executive Director, Avalon Sexual Assault Centre

Avalon Sexual Assault Centre and the Impact of Sexualized Violence

This presentation will provide an overview of the programs and services offered by Avalon Sexual Assault Centre and address sexual assault statistics and issues relevant in the Halifax Region and in Nova Scotia. The presentation will also include a discussion of the impacts of sexualized violence on physical and mental health, the cost of sexualized violence to the health care system and provide a trauma informed feminist analysis of sexualized violence as a women's health issue.

Jackie Stevens has worked Avalon Sexual Assault Centre for the past 20 years. She is currently the Executive Director but served as the Coordinator of Community/Legal Education and Professional Training for 16 years. During that time, Jackie assisted with the development and implementation of the Avalon Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program and has provided professional training for first responders and health care providers including pregnancy and childbirth practitioners.